After returning from knee surgery in late August, Edson Buddle has struggled to find the back of the net, but on Sunday, the veteran forward notched his first league start and goal since May 26.

Throughout the match, Buddle provided a stiff test for defenders Victor Bernárdez and Justin Morrow, consistently getting into dangerous positions as he tested the San Jose back line. In the 69th minute, Buddle found himself on the end of a pinpoint cross from defender Sean Franklin that the forward directed into the back of the net.

As the Galaxy look towards the MLS Cup Playoffs, and with Landon Donovan still dealing with a nagging knee injury, a dangerous Buddle could be valuable for the Galaxy’s hopes of retaining their MLS Cup title.

PHYSICAL MATCH A CHARACTER BUILDER FOR LA

Indicative of the California Clasico, Sunday’s match was a knockdown, drag-out fight and that could prove vital as the Galaxy place an eye toward the postseason.

The game was a chippy one throughout that featured 26 fouls between the two teams, but just one yellow card awarded by referee Jair Maruffo. For a Galaxy team looking to find their form before the playoffs, Sunday’s contentious match may prove important for the Galaxy as they prepare to face the rigors of the postseason.

Perhaps, no one impressed more than rookie defender Tommy Meyer, who shined going toe-to-toe with Earthquakes forward Steven Lenhart. Countless times, Meyer was able to make smart decisions helping to snuff out San Jose scoring chances, and while Meyer still has a ways to go in his development, the performance is a step in the right direction.

GALAXY WIDE PLAY CONFOUNDS EARTHQUAKES

The San Jose Earthquakes have earned the Supporters’ Shield this year through their skillful wide play, but on Sunday, it was the Galaxy’s wide play that enjoyed success.

In the first half in particular, the Galaxy were able to overwhelm the Earthquakes midfield and create chances through stellar play from wide players Christian Wilhelmsson and Mike Magee. In the second half, the Galaxy wide play bore fruit as crosses from Edson Buddle and later Sean Franklin led directly to Galaxy goals.

Much of this play was due to the influence of Marcelo Sarvas and Juninho in the center as the fleet-footed Brazilians were able to initiate a high-tempo game that proved too much for the Quakes midfield for wide stretches of the match.